Revolut vs Wise
Side-by-side comparison — pricing, features, ratings, use cases. Find which Neobanks fits you best.
🔍 Independently researched ·
📊 Data-driven
76/100
Free tier
Revolut is ideal for travelers, freelancers, and digital nomads who need a cheap, flexible, multi-currency spending card
★ Best
💰 Pricing
🆓 Free tier available
Standard plan is free, but limited to $1,000/month ATM withdrawals (2% fee after), 3 free currency exchanges per month, and 0.5% FX fee after limit. Crypto and stock trading have fees.
Fee notes:
- FX markup: 0% on weekdays within free exchange allowance (Standard: 3 free per month, then 0.5% markup; Premium and Metal: unlimited, but weekend markup of 0.15% for Premium/Metal, 0.5% for Standard).
- ATM fee: 2% of withdrawal amount after exceeding monthly free limit (Standard: $1,000; Premium: $2,000; Metal: $3,000; Ultra: unlimited).
- International transfer fee: Standard: 0.5% (min $0.50, max $50?) ; Premium: free up to $10,000/month, then 0.5%; Metal: free up to $20,000/month, then 0.5%; Ultra: free unlimited.
- Card replacement fee: Standard: $10 (or local equivalent) if lost or stolen; Premium: free (one per year) then $10; Metal: free (one per year) then $10; Ultra: free.
- Crypto trading fee: variable, typically 1.5% per trade (standard) or lower (0.75% for metal/ultra?)
⚠ Watch for:
- Weekend FX markup: Revolut applies a 0.5% markup on weekend currency exchange for Standard, and 0.15% for Premium/Metal (Ultra: 0%) – even if you have exceeded your free exchange allowance.
- ATM fee after limit: 2% after free monthly limit; some ATMs may charge their own fee, which Revolut does not reimburse.
- Card delivery fee: Standard may charge for delivery (e.g., $10) unless you upgrade or order during promotional period.
- Inactivity fee: Not charged monthly, but if you don't use the card for 12 months, card might be deactivated (with reactivation fee?).
🔧 Features
✓ Free Tier✓ Mobile App✓ Multi Currency✓ Crypto Support✓ Stock Trading✓ Virtual Cards✓ Insurance
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- Revolut's multi-currency accounts with local IBANs are a massive advantage. You can open a EUR account with a Lithuanian IBAN, a GBP account with a UK IBAN, and a USD account with a US account number (in some regions). This makes it seamless to receive salary or payments in different currencies without paying high conversion fees. For freelancers and remote workers, this is a killer feature.
- The interbank exchange rate on weekdays is a huge cost saver. Unlike traditional banks that add a 2-3% margin, Revolut uses the actual market rate. On the free plan, you can exchange up to £1,000 per month without extra fees, which is plenty for most travelers. The app also shows you the exact rate before you confirm, so there are no surprises.
- The budgeting tools are surprisingly robust for a digital bank. You can categorize transactions (groceries, transport, entertainment) automatically or manually, set monthly budgets, and get spending insights. This is on par with dedicated budgeting apps like YNAB, and it's built-in for free.
- Virtual cards are a standout security feature. You can create a virtual card for online shopping, and even disposable virtual cards that generate a new card number each time. This protects you from fraud if a merchant's database is compromised, and it's a feature that traditional banks rarely offer for free.
- The crypto and stock trading features are convenient for beginners. You can buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and dozens of other coins directly in the app, and trade US stocks with fractional shares. However, spreads are wider than on dedicated exchanges like Coinbase or Degiro, so serious investors should look elsewhere.
⚠ Watch out for
- Customer support is a major pain point. In-app chat is the primary channel, and response times can be hours or even days for anything beyond basic questions. There's no phone support on most plans, and the chatbot often fails to handle complex issues like account freezes or disputed charges. This has led to numerous complaints on Trustpilot and social media.
- Account freezes for compliance checks are a real risk. Revolut's automated anti-fraud algorithms can flag unusual activity (like large transfers or new login devices) and freeze your account for weeks while they investigate. While this is a legal requirement in some cases, the lack of proactive communication and slow resolution times is frustrating for users who rely on the account for daily spending.
- Hidden fees can sneak up on you. The free plan has a £200/month ATM withdrawal limit, after which you'll pay 2% (or more on weekends). If you exchange on weekends, there's a 1% fee. Crypto trades have spreads that are 1-2% above the market rate, which is higher than dedicated exchanges. You need to read the fee schedule carefully to avoid surprises.
- Revolut is not a full replacement for a traditional bank. Deposits are not covered by the UK's Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the same way — only up to £85,000 for money in your e-money account under certain conditions (actually, Revolut is a licensed bank in Lithuania, but the protections differ in other countries). You also can't get a mortgage or overdraft from Revolut, and there's no option for physical cash deposits beyond loading with cash at certain partner stores.
🎯 Best for
Revolut is ideal for travelers, freelancers, and digital nomads who need a cheap, flexible, multi-currency spending card with manageable FX and global payments.
🚫 Who should skip
People looking for a full-fledged primary bank with reliable customer support, complete deposit protection, and comprehensive financial products (mortgages, large loans) should skip Revolut. Also, active traders are better off with dedicated stock/crypto brokerages.
📚 Learning curve
Minimal — the app has a modern, intuitive interface and you can start using core features within minutes. Understanding the exact pricing structure and country-specific features may take some digging.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
Revolut is an excellent choice for travelers, freelancers, and digital nomads who need flexible multi-currency capabilities and low FX fees. However, if you require reliable human support, robust deposit insurance, or the stability of a traditional bank for all your banking needs, you should keep a
43/100
Free tier
Individuals and freelancers who regularly send or receive money across borders and want low-cost, transparent FX with lo
💰 Pricing
🆓 Free tier available
No monthly fee; pay per transaction (conversion, transfer, etc.); ATM withdrawals free up to 200 USD/month (1.75% fee after that)
Fee notes:
- Conversion fee: 0.41% for USD (Standard), 0.36% Premium, 0.29% Metal
- Transfer fee: variable by route and currency, starts from 0.33%
- ATM withdrawal: free up to 200 USD/month (Standard), 500 USD (Premium), 1,000 USD (Metal); then 1.75% fee
- Card replacement: standard card free first time, subsequent $5; premium/metal free of charge
- No monthly account fees for Standard; Premium and Metal have monthly fees
⚠ Watch for:
- Withdrawal fee after free ATM limit (1.75%)
- Card replacement fee for Standard after free first card
- Inactivity fee? (Wise does not charge inactivity, but check terms)
- Transfer fees vary by route and payment method
🔧 Features
✓ Free Tier✓ Mobile App✓ Multi Currency✓ Virtual Cards✓ Mid Market Fx
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- Real mid-market exchange rates with no markup: Wise uses the true interbank rate, and any markup is blatantly disclosed. This transparency can save you a significant amount on transfers, especially for large amounts. For example, sending $10,000 to Europe might be $200 cheaper than using a traditional bank.
- Multi-currency account with local receiving details: Holding balances in over 50 currencies is handy, but the real value is the local bank details for 10 currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD, and others). This lets you receive funds as a local transfer, often for free, which is a boon for freelancers and businesses that need to collect payments from multiple countries.
- Transparent, upfront pricing: Before you confirm any transfer, you see the exact exchange rate, the fee, and the amount the recipient will get. No hidden costs, no surprises. This is a breath of fresh air in an industry known for opaque pricing and is a major reason many customers switch from traditional banks.
- Wise debit card for international spending: The card automatically converts currencies at the mid-market rate, avoiding foreign transaction fees. You can spend in 150+ countries. Withdrawals are free up to a certain limit (e.g., $100/month in the US, £200/month in the UK), making it an excellent companion for travelers.
- Fast international transfers: Most transfers are completed within a few hours, and some are even instant, provided both the sender and recipient are using Wise. This speed is a significant advantage over traditional banks, which can take 3-5 business days.
⚠ Watch out for
- No interest on balances: Unlike some neobanks or high-yield savings accounts, Wise does not pay interest on the money you hold. For those who maintain large balances in their Wise account, this is an opportunity cost.
- Fees can add up for smaller currencies: While the fee for major currencies like EUR, GBP, and USD is relatively low (0.41%), converting to less common currencies (e.g., Thai Baht, Polish Zloty) can incur fees as high as 1-2%. Frequent conversions between minor currencies could become expensive.
- Limited financial services: Wise is not a full-service bank. You can't get loans, mortgages, credit cards, or investment products. It's a transactional account, not an all-in-one financial hub. Users who want a single app for everything will be disappointed.
- ATM withdrawal fees can surprise: Although you get a free monthly quota, exceeding it incurs a fee (around $1.50 per withdrawal in the US). Frequent cash users may find these costs add up. Also, the card is not available in every country.
- Customer support can vary: While Wise offers support via email, chat, and a robust knowledge base, response times can be slow at times. There is no phone support in most regions, which could be a deal-breaker for users who prefer real-time assistance.
🎯 Best for
Individuals and freelancers who regularly send or receive money across borders and want low-cost, transparent FX with local account details.
🚫 Who should skip
Users looking for a full-featured digital bank with crypto, stock trading, or interest-bearing balances, as well as those who only have domestic banking needs.
📚 Learning curve
Minimal — the app and website have a clean, guided setup process, and the fee breakdown is intuitive for most users.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
Wise is an excellent choice for anyone who frequently deals with international transfers or holds multiple currencies. It's not a full-service bank, but for its core purpose — moving money across borders cheaply and transparently — it's the best in class. If you need a simple, everyday bank account
📊 Use Case Suitability
Higher score = better fit. Scores from editorial review.
Use CaseRevolutWise
Travel & Foreign Currency Spending95—
With multi-currency accounts, competitive interbank-ish exchange rates, and no h
Freelancer Multi-Currency Invoicing & Receiving Payments88—
Freelancers can receive payments in multiple currencies with local IBANs, hold b
Budgeting & Expense Tracking80—
Built-in budgeting tools, spending categorization, and real-time notifications h
Small Crypto & Stock Investments70—
Revolut offers access to stocks and crypto with fractional shares and a user-fri
Everyday Online Shopping & Virtual Cards85—
Virtual and disposable cards help protect your financial details during online p
International Money Transfers—98
Wise is built around real mid-market FX rates and transparent fees, making it on
Freelancer Invoicing & Global Payments—92
Freelancers can receive payments in multiple currencies via local bank details a
Travel Spending With a Multi-Currency Card—85
The Wise debit card works worldwide and automatically converts to local currency
🧭 Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Revolut if...
- You are: Revolut is ideal for travelers, freelancers, and digital nomads who need a cheap, flexible, multi-currency spending card
- 👍 Real multi-currency accounts with local IBANs in many countries, making international transfers and
- 👍 Competitive FX rates (interbank rate on weekdays) with a user-friendly app that shows real-time conv
- 👍 Extensive feature set even on the free plan: virtual cards, budgeting, crypto, stocks, and peer-to-p
- 💰 Free tier available
- ⚠ Trade-off: Customer support is notoriously slow in many regions, with in-app chat often bei
Choose Wise if...
- You are: Individuals and freelancers who regularly send or receive money across borders and want low-cost, transparent FX with lo
- 👍 Uses the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup, saving significant money on international tra
- 👍 Multi-currency account supports holding 50+ currencies and provides local receiving details for 10 c
- 👍 Transparent, upfront pricing — you see the exact fee and exchange rate before confirming any transac
- 💰 Free tier available
- ⚠ Trade-off: No crypto or stock trading features, so it doesn't replace a full-service neoban
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Revolut really free?
Yes, Revolut has a free standard plan with no monthly fee, but you'll pay fees for certain extras like larger ATM withdrawals, non-currency weekend conversions, and some premium features. The paid plans (Plus, Premium, Metal, Ultra) add benefits like higher limits, travel insurance, and cashback.
What are the limits on withdrawing cash with the free plan?
With the free plan, you can withdraw up to a certain amount per month (often around $300 or €200) without a fee, after which a 2% fee applies. The specific limit varies by country and currency, and paid plans offer higher or unlimited ATM withdrawals.
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